Response

The South River EMC board met during a regularly schedule board meeting August 2, 2023 to hold a PURPA hearing. After reviewing all information, the following recommendation was adopted:

Management recommends that South River EMC not adopt the new Demand Response (DR) and Electric Vehicle (EV) standards contained in the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, which amended Title 1 of PURPA,  but that we continue with the current programs, while assessing any new concepts, technology and vendors that can improve our DR and EV programs and the service we deliver to our members.

 

Current Demand Response (DR) and Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Programs

DR and EV charging programs provide financial and environmental incentives to both South River EMC members and the Cooperative as a whole, when members can reduce or shift energy used during times of high demand. EVs are gaining popularity and will use electricity from the grid as fuel. If EV owners can charge during off-peak hours, they help to hold down costs for all members.

  • We have two public charging locations, one at Dirty Whiskey in Hope Mills, the other at Raven Rock State Park
  • We encourage STOU for commercial charging
  • We assign the rate for charging locations based on anticipated demand
  • We are working closely with Circle K, Tesla, Sheetz, etc. and any other 3rd party interests for installation of charging.
  • Contribution-In-Aid-of-Construction (CIAC) – Determined based on established revenue credit w/full transformer cost included.

*We will monitor rate for adequate cost recovery periodically to determine if a unique rate and EV CIAC formula are warranted.

South River EMC has a variety of programs to hold how rates, assist members control their energy expenditures, incentivize energy efficiency, and embrace new technology. To that end, we are proud to offer programs that may fit many lifestyles.  

We offer programs and services to meet the evolving needs of our members, increase energy efficiency, and expand beneficial electrification to enhance the lives of those we serve. To that end, we are proud to offer demand-response and EV charging programs that may fit many lifestyles. Read about some of our options below.

Super Time-of-Use Rates:  Our Switch and Save program features our super time-of-use S(TOU) rate gives you the potential to save money by using less energy when demand for electricity is high, or during on-peak hours. Alternatively, this rate plan encourages you to shift your use of electricity when demand is low, or during off-peak hours, by paying less per kilowatt hour (kWh) than our standard energy usage charge. This is a perfect option for EV drivers who can take advantage of super low rates to charge the electric vehicle overnight. Visit sremc.com/tou for more information. 
 

Connect to Save Smart Thermostat and Water Heater Control Program: Smart thermostats and water heater controls can save you money on your monthly electric bill and help the entire cooperative reduce demand. Members who participate in Connect to Save by allowing the cooperative to minimally adjust their thermostat during times of peak demand are eligible to receive a $50 yearly incentive and a discounted smart thermostat. Details about Connect to Save can be found online at connecttosavenc.com
 

Watt Watchers:Watt Watchers is a program to help hold down power costs, keeping bills and rates low,for members of South River EMC. Participants voluntarily agree to reduce their use of electricity during peak use periods: these would be the few critical hours when the most people are using the most electricity, all at the same time. Visit sremc.com/watt-watchers for complete information.
 

Energy efficiency rebates:South River EMC offers a variety of incentives for members who make energy efficiency investments. Our program is designed to align with the Energy Star tax credits, to provide a greater benefit to members. Visit sremc.com/rebates-efficiency-tips for a full list of rebates.
 

Go to sremc.com/rates to view our full list of available rates.

 

Background: Statutory Standards Under Consideration

I. Demand-Response Practices (Summary of 16 U.S.C. § 2621(d)(20))

II. Electric Vehicle Charging Programs (Summary of 16 U.S.C. § 2621(d)(21))